Fluid flow control device

ABSTRACT

A device for controlling the flow of fluid, wherein a fluid distributing member is connected to a source of fluid in response to a predetermined temperature condition to establish a fluid flow path in the fluid distributing member. An additional fluid flow path is established in the fluid distributing member in response to a predetermined fluid pressure occurring therein. A fixed fire extinguishing system incorporating the above fluid flow control device.

ilnited tates Livingston atent [s 1 rum mow coN'rnoL DECE [72] Inventor: William L. Livingston, Sharon, Ma

[73] Assignee: Factory Mutual Research Corporation,

Norwood, Mass.

[22] Filed: Sept. 15, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 72,370

[52] 1.1.8. Cl. ..1169/5, 169/16 [51] Int. Cl ..A62c 35/00 [58] Field ofSearch ..169/5, l6, 19, 20, 42

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,247,241 6/1941 Knight 169/19 3,289,686 12/1966 Tyer, Jr. 1,958,286 5/1934 Tyden ..l69/16 1,958,288 5/1934 Tyden 169/16 2,706,006 4/1955 Valente 1 69/ l 6 2,044,313 6/1936 Lowe ..l69/19 Primary Examiner-M. Henson Wood, Jr. Assistant Examiner-Thomas C. Culp, Jr. Attorney-Lane, Aitken, Dunner & Ziems [5 7] ABSTRACT A device for controlling the flow of fluid, wherein a fluid distributing member is connected to a source of fluid in response to a predetermined temperature condition to establish a fluid flow path in the fluid distributing member. An additional fluid flow path is established in the fluid distributing member in response to a predetermined fluid pressure occurring therein. A fixed fire extinguishing system incorporating the above fluid flow control device.

26 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure Patented May 30, 1972. 3,666,015

' INVENTOR WILLIAM L. LIVINGSTON BY wag %MWI/ IM ATTORNEYS FLUID FLOW CONTROL DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a fluid flow control apparatus and, more particularly, to an apparatus for distributing fluid into one or two fluid flow paths in response to temperature and pressure conditions.

Several design problems exist in fixed fire-extinguishing systems utilizing water as at least a portion of the extinguishant and incorporating individual temperature responsive, fluid dispersing nozzles. For example, systems that are designed with a predetermined dispersion capability based on a given water main pressure, are not able to take advantage of any increases in available pressure; This is also true in the case of a particular nozzle being actuated in response to a fire condition in its immediate vicinity, but before a large number of other nozzles in the same system are actuated. In the latter situation, although a relatively large pressure is available to the actuated nozzle, its dispersion is often not increased, since the nozzle is normally designed for a lower pressure based on the pressure available when .all the nozzles in a given system, or area, are actuated.

If the nozzle is designed with a larger dispersion capability to accommodate any anticipated increases in pressure, the absence of the increased pressure may drop the dispersion capability of the nozzle below design limits, and thus detract from the individual fire fighting characteristics of the nozzle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fluid flow control device which assures a minimum response to a given design pressure, and yet enables the dispersion to be increased if an increased pressure is available.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fixed fire extinguishing system incorporating the above control device.

Toward the fulfillment of these objects, the device of the present invention comprises a fluid distributing member, means responsive to a predetermined temperature condition for connecting said fluid distributing member to a source of fluid whereby a fluid flow path is established within said fluid distributing member, and means responsive to a predetermined condition of the fluid in said fluid distributing member for establishing another fluid flow path in said fluid distributing member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Reference is now made to the accompanying drawing for a better understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention. The drawing illustrates the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the objects of the invention and is not to be construed as a restriction or limitation on its scope. The drawing is an elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention, with the valves used therein being shown schematically.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring specifically to the drawing, the fluid flow control device of the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10, and forms a portion of a fixed fire extinguishing system including a riser 12 which is connected to a source of water such as a water main (not shown), and to a branch conduit 14 by means of a T-coupling 16. It is understood that a number of risers, branch conduits, and control devices are normally provided in a given system, as well as cross-mains, etc., and that all are supported overhead within the enclosure to be protected.

The control device includes a vertically extending inlet conduit 18 connected to the branch line 14 by means of a T- coupling 20, and a horizontally extending conduit 22 registering with the conduit 18. The conduit 22 has two portions 22a and 22b extending to either side of the conduit 18 which are connected to a pair of nozzles 2A and 26 via elbow couplings 28 and 30, respectively.

A pair of valves are disposed in the conduits l8 and 22, and since they are of a conventional design, are shown schematically by the reference numerals 32 and 34, respectively. The valve 32 is normally closed to prevent the flow of fluid through the conduit 18 and is adapted to open in response to an elevated temperature condition in its immediate vicinity for pemiitting fluid flow through the conduit 18. As an example of this type valve, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 2,171,487 which discloses a valve having a check valve element which is urged to an open position by the fluid pressure in the conduit, but which is normally held in a closed position against a seat by means of a fusible material, such as solder, which melts in response to the elevated temperature and permits release of the valve element.

The valve 34 operates to normally prevent fluid flow through the conduit portion 22b, and is responsive to a predetermined pressure in this conduit portion for opening and thus permitting fluid flow to and through the nozzle 26. For example, the valve element of the valve 34 could be normally spring-biased against a seat in a direction opposite to that of the fluid pressure in the conduit portion 22b, but responsive to a predetermined fluid pressure acting thereon for opening against the force of the spring.

In operation, the normally closed valve 32 will open in response to a fire condition existing in its immediate vicinity, thereby causing an immediate flow of fluid through the conduit l8 and the conduit portion 22a into and through the nozzle 24 whereby it is dispersed over the fire. In the event a predetermined fluid pressure is available at the normally closed valve 34, the latter will also open to permit additional fluid dispersion through the nozzle 26 via the conduit portion 22b. Of course, after opening of both valves 32 and 34, should the pressure available at the valve 34 decrease, the latter valve will close and thus eliminate any further dispersion from the nozzle 26 until the pressure again rises a sufficient amount to open the valve 34. i

The device of the present invention thus insures that at least a minimum amount of extinguishant dispersion will be effected in response to a fire condition, yet takes advantage of any increased pressure available at the particular area where it is installed. Since a typical installation will include several branch lines and cross mains, all provided with several control devices, the latter advantage is particularly significant when only a relatively few number of the temperature responsive valves 32 are initially actuated in response to a fire condition, since the device of the present invention will then take advantage of the resulting increased pressure.

It is understood that the extinguishant may consist of water with an additive added thereto, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 776,475 filed Oct. 10, 1968, and Ser. No. 13,179 filed Feb. 20, 1960, both by the inventor of the instant application and assigned to the same assignee as the instant application.

It is also understood that variations of the above example can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the nozzles 24 and 26 may be replaced by sprinkler heads of a type well known in the art. Also, the valves 32 and 34 do not have to be located in the exact areas described above, but may be positioned elsewhere in the system.

Still other variations of the specific construction and arrangement of the device disclosed above can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A fixed fire extinguishing system comprising a source of extinguishant, at least one supply conduit connected to said source of extinguishant, a plurality of distribution members connected to said supply conduit, first control means associated with each of said distribution members and responsive to a predetermined fire condition for permitting a discharge of extinguishant from the distribution member, and second control means associated with each of said distribution members and responsive to a condition other than said fire condition for changing the rate of discharge of extinguishant from the distribution member.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said first control means is responsive to a predetermined temperature in the vicinity of said distribution member.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said first control means comprises a temperature responsive valve disposed in said distribution member, said temperature responsive valve being adapted to open in response to said predetermined temperature.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said second control means is responsive to a predetermined pressure of the extinguishant in said distributing member.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said second control means comprises a pressure responsive valve disposed in said distributing member, said pressure responsive valve being adapted to open in response to a predetermined extinguishant pressure acting thereon and permit an increase in said rate of discharge 6. The system of claim 1 wherein said first control means establishes a first flow path for the extinguishant in said distribution member and wherein said second control means establishes a second flow path for the extinguishant in said distribution member.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a pair of fluid discharge nozzles respectively registering with said flow paths.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein each of said distribution members comprises a main conduit registering with said supply conduit and two branch conduits registering with said main conduit, said first flow path including said main conduit and one of said branch conduits said second fiow path including said main conduit and the other of said branch conduits.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said first control means is disposed in said main conduit and said second control means is disposed in said other branch conduit.

10. The system of claim 8, further comprising a pair of fiuid discharge nozzles respectively registering with said branch conduits.

H. The system of claim 1, wherein said second control means increases said rate of discharge.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said second control means decreases said rate of discharge.

13. The system of claim 5, wherein said pressure responsive valve is adapted to close in the event of the extinguishant pressure falls below said predetermined pressure to reduce said rate of discharge.

14. A device for controlling the discharge of fire extinguishant, said device comprising a body member having inlet means adapted for connection to a source of extinguishant and outlet means for discharging said extinguishant, first control means disposed in said body member and responsive to a predetermined fire condition for pemiitting a discharge of extinguishant from said outlet means, and second control means disposed in said body member and responsive to a condition other than said fire condition for changing the rate of discharge of extinguishant from said outlet means.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein said first control means is responsive to a predetermined temperature in the vicinity of said distribution member.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein said first control means comprises a temperature responsive valve disposed in said body member, said temperature responsive valve being adapted to open in response to said predetermined temperature.

17. The device of claim 14, wherein said second control means is responsive to a predetermined pressure of the extinguishant in said body member.

18. The device of claim 14, wherein said second control means comprisesa pressure responsive valve disposed in said body member, said pressure responsive valve being adapted to open in response to a predetermined extinguishant pressure acting thereon and permit an increase in said rate of discharge.

19. The device of claim 14, wherein said first control means establishes a first flow path for the extinguishant in said body member and wherein said second control means establishes a second flow path for the extinguishant in said body member.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein said outlet means is in the form of an opening formed at the end of each of said flow paths and further comprising a pair of fluid discharge nozzles respectively registering with said openings.

21. The device of claim 19, wherein each of said distribution members comprises a main conduit registering with said supply conduit and two branch conduits registering with said main conduit, said first flow path including said main conduit and one of said branch conduits and said second flow path including said main conduit and the other of said branch conduits.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein said first control means is disposed in said main conduit and said second control means is disposed in said other branch conduit.

23. The device of claim 21, wherein said outlet means is in the form of an opening formed at the end of each of said branch conduits, and further comprising a pair of fluid discharge nozzles respectively registering with said openings.

24. The device of claim 14, wherein said second control means increases said rate of discharge.

25. The device of claim 14, wherein said second control means decreases said rate of discharge.

26. The device of claim 18, wherein said pressure responsive valve is adapted to close in the event the extinguishant pressure falls below said predetermined pressure to reduce said rate of discharge.

Disclaimer 3,666,015.Wilham L. Livingston, Sharon, Mass. FLUID FLOW CONTROL DEVICE. Patent dated May 30, 1972. Disclaimer filed Apr. 3, 1972, by the assignee, Factory Mutual Research Corporation. Hereby disclaims the portion of the term of the patent subsequent to July 13, 1988.

[Ofiioz'al Gazette Januawy 16, 1973.] 

1. A fixed fire extinguishing system comprising a source of extinguishant, at least one supply conduit connected to said source of extinguishant, a plurality of distribution members connected to said supply conduit, first control means associated with each of said distribution members and responsive to a predetermined fire condition for permitting a discharge of extinguishant from the distribution member, and second control means associated with each of said distribution members and responsive to a condition other than said fire condition for changing the rate of discharge of extinguishant from the distribution member.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said first control means is responsive to a predetermined temperature in the vicinity of said distribution member.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein said first control means comprises a temperature responsive valve disposed in said distribution member, said temperature responsive valve being adapted to open in response to said predetermined temperature.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said second control means is responsive to a predetermined pressure of the extinguishant in said distributing member.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said second control means comprises a pressure responsive valve disposed in said distributing member, said pressure responsive valve being adapted to open in response to a predetermined extinguishant pressure acting thereon and permit an increase in said rate of discharge.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein said first control means establishes a first flow path for the extinguishant in said distribution member and wherein said second control means establishes a second flow path for the extinguishant in said distribution member.
 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a pair of fluid discharge nozzles respectively registering with said flow paths.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein each of said distribution members comprises a main conduit registering with said supply conduit and two branch conduits registering with said main conduit, said first flow path including said main conduit and one of said branch conduits and said second flow path including said main conduit and the other of said branch conduits.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein said first control means is disposed in said main conduit and said second control means is disposed in said other branch conduit.
 10. The system of claim 8, further comprising a pair of fluid discharge nozzles respectively registering with said branch conduits.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein said second control means increases said rate of discharge.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein said second control means decreases said rate of discharge.
 13. The system of claim 5, wherein said pressure responsive valve is adapted to close in the event of the extinguishant pressure falls below said predetermined pressure to reduce said rate of discharge.
 14. A device for controlling the discharge of fire extinguishant, said device comprising a body member having inlet means adapted for connection to a source of extinguishant and outlet means for discharging said extinguishant, first control means disposed in said body member and responsive to a predetermined fire condition for permitting a discharge of extinguishant from said outlet means, and second control meanS disposed in said body member and responsive to a condition other than said fire condition for changing the rate of discharge of extinguishant from said outlet means.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein said first control means is responsive to a predetermined temperature in the vicinity of said distribution member.
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein said first control means comprises a temperature responsive valve disposed in said body member, said temperature responsive valve being adapted to open in response to said predetermined temperature.
 17. The device of claim 14, wherein said second control means is responsive to a predetermined pressure of the extinguishant in said body member.
 18. The device of claim 14, wherein said second control means comprises a pressure responsive valve disposed in said body member, said pressure responsive valve being adapted to open in response to a predetermined extinguishant pressure acting thereon and permit an increase in said rate of discharge.
 19. The device of claim 14, wherein said first control means establishes a first flow path for the extinguishant in said body member and wherein said second control means establishes a second flow path for the extinguishant in said body member.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein said outlet means is in the form of an opening formed at the end of each of said flow paths and further comprising a pair of fluid discharge nozzles respectively registering with said openings.
 21. The device of claim 19, wherein each of said distribution members comprises a main conduit registering with said supply conduit and two branch conduits registering with said main conduit, said first flow path including said main conduit and one of said branch conduits and said second flow path including said main conduit and the other of said branch conduits.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein said first control means is disposed in said main conduit and said second control means is disposed in said other branch conduit.
 23. The device of claim 21, wherein said outlet means is in the form of an opening formed at the end of each of said branch conduits, and further comprising a pair of fluid discharge nozzles respectively registering with said openings.
 24. The device of claim 14, wherein said second control means increases said rate of discharge.
 25. The device of claim 14, wherein said second control means decreases said rate of discharge.
 26. The device of claim 18, wherein said pressure responsive valve is adapted to close in the event the extinguishant pressure falls below said predetermined pressure to reduce said rate of discharge. 